Showcasing Professional Governance and Practice
Nursing Science and Professional Governance Conference
The Nursing Science and Professional Governance Conference (NSPG) is a cornerstone event, showcasing UC Davis Health’s commitment to advancing nursing science and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care across the organization. Held annually during Nurses Week and hosted with the EBP and Research Council, the conference brings together nurses, interprofessional partners, and learners with the following goals:
- Share original research and evidence-based practice projects
- Highlight quality improvement and innovation initiatives
- Foster collaboration across clinical and academic settings
- Strengthen our culture of inquiry and continuous learning
Through participation, nurses translate evidence into clinical practice, disseminate findings across the health system, strengthen professional governance and shared decision-making, as well as gain recognition for scholarly and clinical contributions. The event is designed to be inclusive of nurses at all roles and stages, from novice to expert, with research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, innovation and clinical practice. Attendees can expect a dynamic and engaging experience, including:
- Keynote speakers providing insights on emerging trends in healthcare and nursing science
- Podium presentations featuring nurse-led and interdisciplinary research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement work
- Poster sessions showcasing innovative projects across specialties
- Networking opportunities connecting clinicians, researchers, and leaders
2027 NSPG Conference
The ninth conference will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2027, from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at UC Davis Health Sacramento Campus.
Each year, the conference features a theme highlighted through a keynote presentation and is integrated throughout the day’s programming.
Abstract Portal
Submit your abstract via REDCap. The submission portal is typically open each year from early December through January 31.
Registration
Register for the upcoming NSPG conference. The registration page typically opens in early April and remains available until the date of the conference.
Conference App
Available after registration, the conference app provides easy access to the program agenda and presentation materials, allowing participants to engage with content during and after the event.
Join Us and Share Your Work
The Nursing Science and Professional Governance Conference follows a standardized annual timeline. All abstract submissions must be completed by January 31. In February, abstracts are peer‑reviewed by the UC Davis Health Evidence‑Based Practice and Research Council. Primary submission authors are notified in mid‑March regarding acceptance decisions and the type of presentation awarded.
All accepted podium presenters are required to review presentation preparation materials and meet with a member of the Center for Nursing Science or the EBP and Research Council prior to presenting. All presentations are delivered in person on the day of the conference.
UC Davis Health nurses and clinicians conducting research, evidence‑based practice, quality improvement, or other scholarly work are encouraged to submit an abstract. Submission is expected from each of the UC Davis Health Practice Councils and EBP Fellows, and is also welcomed from interdisciplinary teams, as well as students and faculty from the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.
Project and Abstract Types
Eligible work includes research studies, EBP initiatives, QI and operational projects, educational and career ladder work, committee projects, technology evaluations, and projects previously presented externally to support internal dissemination.
- Abstracts may be submitted in the categories of Research, Evidence‑Based Practice, Quality Improvement, or General, and topics may reflect all clinical roles, patient populations, systems, and professional practice areas.
- Projects should ideally be current and completed prior to the conference, though work in progress may be submitted with clearly described status, preliminary findings, and next steps.
- Selected abstracts may be presented in either podium or poster format; podium presentations must represent original work not previously presented at a UC Davis Health conference.
Submission
Authors may submit multiple abstracts; however, presentation assignments may be limited based on volume of submissions.
- Each submission must identify a submitting author, presenting author(s), and contributing authors. All listed authors are required to complete biographical information and a conflict of interest statement.
- Submissions must include a project title, structured abstract (not exceeding 500 words), project information, author details, and at least two supporting citations.
- Resources, examples, and templates are available to support abstract development, along with optional one‑on‑one consultation for writing and presentation preparation.
Abstract Resources Folder (Employee Access Only): Review abstract writing informational slides, abstract examples, and a Word document template to help you draft your abstract.
Poster and podium presentation decisions and details are shared directly with abstract submission authors. Resources for poster and podium presentations, including templates, examples, and instructional materials, can be found in the Dissemination and Scholarship section of our website.
Check out the NSPG Conference Archives (Employee Access Only) to access conference presentations and posters from previous years.
Outstanding abstract submissions are selected for podium presentations and recognized during the Top Honors Symposium aligned with the UC Davis Health Nursing Strategic Plan (PDF) pillars:
- Develop a regional system of care
- Develop exceptional patient and care team experiences
- Advance health equity and address disparities
- Develop and grow integrated, patient‑centric service lines
- Advance clinical, quality, and operational excellence
- Advance research, innovation, and information technology
Poster awards are also given, including a “People’s Choice” Award presented at the conference based on attendee voting, and an EBP and Research Council Poster Award.
Nursing contact hours are awarded to UC Davis Health nurses following completion of conference and presentation evaluations. Typically, 4-5 contact hours are available for attending podium presentations during the live event, and approximately up to 5-7 contact hours may be earned for poster presentations, depending on the number of posters viewed and evaluated. Continuing education credits are issued by the Center for the Professional Practice of Nursing one month following the conference.
Help advance nursing science, innovation, and evidence-based practice. Whether you're interested in contributing your expertise, collaborating on initiatives, or sharing your work with colleagues, there are many opportunities to become engaged.
- Join the EBP and Research Council to become part of the NSPG planning operation!
- Submit an abstract to showcase research, evidence-based practice initiatives, quality improvement projects or innovative clinical programs.
Since its inception, the NSPG conference has grown into a premier annual event that highlights the depth and breadth of nursing contributions across the organization. Each year builds on the last, strengthening the culture of inquiry and advancing nursing excellence. To access archive materials from previous conferences, visit our NSPG Conference Archives (Employee Access Only). Listed below are previous NSPG conference themes listed by year.
- 2026 The Value of Nursing
- 2025 Technology and Innovation in Nursing and Healthcare
- 2024 Celebrating and Recognizing Nurses and Clinicians
- 2023 Implementation Science
- 2022 Promoting Nurse and Clinician Well-being
- 2021 Launch of the ARCC EBP Model
- 2020 Nursing Science
- 2019 Using Evidence as a Roadmap
- 2018 Collaborative Conference held at Stanford University Hospital
- 2012-2017 Professional Governance Day